Chrysler Imperial Parts and Accessories

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1990s

Your Chrysler Imperial Won't Start: 3 Possible Causes -- and What to Do About Them

Imperial is one of the most reliable Chrysler cars ever built, incomparably luxurious and a pure pleasure to drive. So when yours won't start -- when the engine won't even crank -- it can really put a damper on the ride.

Luckily, the problem's common enough that it has a few equally common explanations. Here's a few, plus what to do if they end up being the case.

1. A Dead Battery

This is the issue most of the time. It's pretty much certain, however, if:

  • Your Imperial tries to crank and fails, it's slow to start, or it starts fine at first and then dies
  • The lights don't turn on and the car doesn't "chime" when you open the door
  • The Check Engine light turns on
  • The battery looks swollen (that means hydrogen's built up in it)
  • The battery smells like rotten eggs (that indicates a lead acid leak)
  • The terminals are corroded
  • You can try jump-starting it, unless its damaged. If that doesn't work, though, you'll have to replace it.

    2. A Failed Alternator

    This is fairly common in Imperial cars. Alternator faults happen, and they'll look like a dead battery, but the car's electrical systems won't run. (That's systems like the power windows, windshield wipers, electronics, instrumentation, and power steering.) Plus:

  • You'll see battery and alternator warning lights on the dash
  • The car lights will malfunction
  • The engine will start to squeak
  • It'll smell like something's burning around the battery or alternator
  • You might see alternator fluid leaks
  • The causes are almost always parts gone bad, installing incompatible accessories, or jump-starting wrong. Run an inspection to find the problem; if you can't fix it, you'll need to replace the alternator.

    3. A Bad Starter

    These are notorious. Luckily, they're fairly easy to diagnose; look for loose wiring, damaged parts, and corrosion on their terminals. A faulty starter is even more likely if:

  • You turn the key in the ignition of your Imperial, and only the dash lights and displays come on
  • If you can only start in certain gears or drive modes
  • If that ends up the case, the starter will need replacement.

    Not sure what the problem is, or what to do about it? Contact a Chrysler dealer or an authorized Mopar service center; the pros will be happy to help.

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